F. Matthias Alexander
The Alexander Technique offers a joyful systematic look into the underlying principles that govern human movement. When applied, these principles guide us to a dynamic experience of kinesthetic lightness, wherein thinking becomes clearer, feelings accessible, sensations livelier, and movement more pleasurable. Within this fluid, more conscious condition, we find our actions strengthened and refined, our sense of time expanded, and our rapport with the environment restored.
We are designed for movement. Inherent in this design is an incredible capacity for ease, flexibility, power and expressiveness, whether we are dancing, hammering a nail, working at a computer, singing or simply walking. All too often we unwittingly interfere with this design as we perform our daily activities. With the Alexander Technique, effort, tension and fatigue give way to energy, delight and grace.
Who benefits from studying the Alexander Technique?
What happens in a lesson?
The Alexander Technique is typically taught through a series of private lessons. It is not a treatment, and physical exercises are not required. The teacher guides the student through simple movements. During this part of the lesson the student learns to observe and change habits that interfere with optimum functioning. Even the simplest activities – sitting, walking and talking – are both mental and physical. Many problems cannot be solved without involving our thought processes as well. Becoming aware of and changing the habits that interfere with these simple activities builds a foundation for tackling more complex problems. Even with a teacher's hands-on guidance, the muscular habits that a student brings to a lesson can be resistant to change. Therefore, part of the lesson usually takes place with the student lying on a table, where the teacher can help the student change some of these habits without the interference of excessive effort that often comes with doing even the simplist of acts.
How did the Alexander Technique originate?
The Alexander Technique is named after its passionate creator, F. Matthias Alexander (1869 - 1955). As a young Shakespearean actor, F.M. Alexander repeatedly lost his voice while he was performing on stage (ugh!). Since the doctors treating his voice problem were not able to cure it, F.M. Alexander was left on his own to figure out what he was doing wrong that was causing him to loose his voice at the worst possible times. It took him nine long years to understand the problem and fix it. Subsequently, the Technique he created has been taught internationly for the past century to thousands of people with a wide variety ailments.